Story highlights

New Zealand wins women's final in Dubai

Black Ferns get revenge over Australia

CNN  — 

The Rio 2016 Olympics was a major disappointment for New Zealand rugby fans, but the new sevens season has brought early hope of redemption.

The Black Ferns bounced back from losing August’s women’s final to arch-rival Australia by triumphing in the opening event of the 2016-17 world series in Dubai.

New Zealand triumphed 17-5 in Friday’s title match against the defending champion, which last season ended the Kiwis’ run of three consecutive championships.

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Kelly Brazier was named player of the final, setting up the first of Rebekah Cordero-Tufuga’s two tries, while Portia Woodman got the better of women’s sevens player of the year Charlotte Caslick to open the scoring.

Trailing 17-0, Emilee Cherry scored Australia’s consolation try.

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It also marked a winning start for New Zealand coach Allan Bunting, who has stepped up from his previous role as assistant to Sean Horan.